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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedy For Anxiety After Lowering Dose Of Lamictal

I have been on Lamictal for about 20 years. I was on 750mg a day. My dr and I are trying to slowly reduce the amount. I am having high anxiety and having had problems with agoraphobia and self harm before I am scared it is about to begin again. I have spoken to my Dr and he doesn't think the hiding in the closet or feeling like cutting are side effects. I can't find any information one way or another
posted on Thu, 28 May 2015
Twitter Thu, 28 May 2015 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 29 May 2015 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Lamictal is Lamotrigine and the drug is a mood stabiliser and is also used in depression. Though the drug is not associated with withdrawal symptoms but you have been taking the drug since last 20 years and reduction of the doses after use for such long time can cause anxiety and panic symptoms. So in my opinion the symptoms of anxiety and agoraphobia you are having could be occurring due to Lamictal withdrawal. If you can tolerate the symptoms then that is good but if these become severe then consult your doctor for treatment. SOS basis use of benzodiazepine like Clonazepam can help to reduce the symptoms and will smoothen the withdrawal. Discuss with your doctor for that drug.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care

If you have more doubts you can ask directly by following this link

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=65151

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Suggest Remedy For Anxiety After Lowering Dose Of Lamictal

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Lamictal is Lamotrigine and the drug is a mood stabiliser and is also used in depression. Though the drug is not associated with withdrawal symptoms but you have been taking the drug since last 20 years and reduction of the doses after use for such long time can cause anxiety and panic symptoms. So in my opinion the symptoms of anxiety and agoraphobia you are having could be occurring due to Lamictal withdrawal. If you can tolerate the symptoms then that is good but if these become severe then consult your doctor for treatment. SOS basis use of benzodiazepine like Clonazepam can help to reduce the symptoms and will smoothen the withdrawal. Discuss with your doctor for that drug. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care If you have more doubts you can ask directly by following this link http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=65151 Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi Consultant Psychiatrist